Cholesterol - It Is Not The Enemy

optimizewithdrnikk
Aug 3
2 min read

Cholesterol: The Good, The Bad, and What You Need to Know

Cholesterol gets a lot of attention—and sometimes a bad reputation—but not all cholesterol is harmful. Your body actually needs cholesterol to function! Let’s break down the difference between the “good” and “bad” kinds, and what it means for your health.

What is Cholesterol, Anyway?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of your body. It’s essential for making hormones, vitamin D, and helping digest foods. Your body makes cholesterol on its own, but you also get some from foods.

The “Good” Cholesterol — HDL

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is known as the “good” cholesterol. Why?

It acts like a scavenger, carrying excess cholesterol away from your blood vessels and back to your liver, where it can be removed.
High levels of HDL can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

How to Boost Your HDL:

Exercise regularly
Choose healthy fats (like olive oil and avocados)
Quit smoking

The “Bad” Cholesterol — LDL

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is called “bad” cholesterol because:

It can deposit cholesterol on the walls of your arteries, forming plaque.
Over time, this buildup narrows arteries, raising your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

How to Lower Your LDL:

Limit saturated and trans fats (found in butter, fatty meats, processed foods)
Eat more fiber (whole grains, beans, fruits, veggies)
Stay physically active

Why Balance Matters

You want to aim for higher HDL and lower LDL. Think of cholesterol like a tug-of-war: you want the “good” side to win! That way, your arteries stay clearer, your heart healthier, and your risk for complications lower.

The Bottom Line

Cholesterol itself isn’t the enemy—it’s about keeping the right balance. Regular checkups, a heart-smart diet, and an active lifestyle are your best strategies to stay in the healthy zone. And if you need extra help, talk to your provider about the best ways to manage your cholesterol for lifelong heart health.

Do you know your cholesterol levels? Optimize With Dr. Nikki can help! Book an appointment with me and let's find out and manage those levels. Sometimes, we can manage high cholesterol simply with nutraceuticals.